Emergency £20,000 requested for Town Hall roof work

We were warned that it was going to cost Welshpool dearly, and tonight councillors will be asked to approve an initial £20,000 to make the Town Hall roof safe.

We have reported over the past two weeks how bits of masonry were coming lose, with one big lump falling onto a ledge.

An initial drone survey revealed the extent of the damage last week with former Mayor, Cllr Nick Howells, warning “this is going to be very expensive” at a meeting last week.

Councillors want the area around the Town Hall secured so that there is no damage to the public, and it will be discussed at tonight’s monthly full council meeting.

The agenda item states: “Members will receive an update from Acting Town Clerk about emergency repairs to the Town Hall roof. Members are to consider authorising up to £20,000 over the summer period to make the area safe and to put up scaffolding.”

It was also pointed out at a meeting last week that insurers would not cover the work, due to it being wear and tear damage, but with the Town Council aware of the problem, they could be criminally negligent should an accident happen.